STANLEY 0-30-686 Tylon Tape, 3m/10ft, Real Red

Excellent tape measure for a bargain price. It is exactly as described and for a small measure very good quality that should last many years. Fits in my pocket or jacket easily or even clips to my belt. Perfect for my Petanque nights out or iI guess bowls if thats your interest.

Stanley, a household name in the world of tools, is instantly recognizable by its iconic yellow and black color scheme. I recently had the opportunity to test their extendable metal tape measure, and I’m pleased to report that it lives up to the brand’s reputation for quality.Design and Build:The tape measure features the classic yellow and black Stanley livery. Its robust construction includes a durable plastic and rubber casing secured with metal screws.Surprisingly hefty at 8cm x 8cm x 4.5cm, it matches the dimensions of my dual steel tape and laser measure.The weightiness likely results from both superior build materials and the length of the metal tape, which extends up to 8 meters (26 feet).The Tylon-coated tape provides protection without significantly adding to the weight.Accuracy and Markings:Clear and precise markings make measurements easy. The tape is accurate, especially over longer distances, outperforming my laser measure (albeit only marginally).The terminating metal tab allows both external and internal measurements, accounting for the tab’s width for precision.The tape extends smoothly, making it user-friendly.Convenient Features:A standard belt clip on the back ensures portability. While it won’t fully clip onto wide belts due to its 3.5cm length, the stiff clip secures it effectively.The cleverly recessed clip prevents accidental rotation around the central screw.Minor Drawbacks:Unfortunately, there’s no carrying strap or loop, which would have been a useful addition.The locking tab’s stiffness can be irritating. Releasing it requires undue pressure, and when it does release, it jerks suddenly, posing a risk to fingers.However, this issue is common among spring-loaded retractable metal tapes, not specific to this brand or model.Useful Halfway Position:The halfway switch position allows the tape to remain in place without full locking. It acts as a brake, handy for quick, shorter measurements.Overall Verdict:Stanley’s extendable metal tape measure meets expectations. Well-built and efficient, it’s a reliable tool.

Stanley is something of a household name in the field of all kinds of tools, and I've found their instantly recognisable yellow and black colour scheme has become an indicator of a certain standard of quality. I'm happy to say that this extendable metal tape measure lives up to that reputation.Sporting the traditional yellow & black Stanley livery this item has a very robust and durable plastic and rubber casing held together with metal screws, and measuring 8cm x 8cm x a surprisingly hefty 4.5cm width.It is also rather weighty - in fact it has about the same dimensions as my dual steel tape & laser measure and weighs even more. This I assume to be the result not only of the superior and more robust build materials, but also of the length and width of the metal tape, extending as it does to 8 metres (26 feet).It has the same width as my laser measure because of the Metres and Feet/Inches measures marked on either edge of the tape. The tape itself is Tylon coated for protection, though I can't imagine this contributes much to the weight.The markings are clear and precise, and it is accurate; indeed over longer distances it is more accurate than my laser measure, albeit only marginally. The terminating metal tab is configured so as to allow it to be used to measure externally or internally, taking the width of the tab into account for more precise measurements. It extends freely and smoothlyIt also features the standard belt clip on the back. At only 3.5cm long it won't clip fully onto wide belts but the clip is stiff enough to secure it nonetheless, and while the clip is held by a central screw, it won't accidentally and annoyingly rotate around it if it loosens, as it is cleverly recessed to prevent that occurring.Having said all that, it does fall a little short of perfection; a minor irritation for me is the lack of carrying strap/loop or even a suitable hole to utilise one of one's own, but the major irritation is the stiffness of the locking tab, which requires undue pressure to lock and release, and when it does release it does so very suddenly with a jerk, thus exposing the user to the danger of having fingers caught by the metal tape as it spring-zooms back into the case. To be fair, this is all too often a property of spring loaded retractable metal tapes in general and not specific to this particular brand or modelThere is however a halfway position on the switch that allows one to keep the tape in position without actually being locked, just by keeping one's thumb held in position as a kind of brake, and this I find particularly useful for making fast, smaller measurements which don't require the tape to be greatly extended.Overall, I have to say that this product is as well built and efficient as I have come to expect from Stanley, and at the currently advertised price of £7.90 I deem it particularly good value for money.

good , age was against me ,not good for 97.

Accurate, retractable, easy to use and durable

The STANLEY 0-30-686 Tylon Tape is a great little tool! Its compact size makes it easy to carry around. Despite its small size, it feels sturdy and functional, perfect for quick measurements. The 3m/10ft length is ideal for everyday tasks, and the Tylon coating adds durability to the blade. Overall, I’m impressed with its reliability and convenience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a compact and efficient tape measure!

Handy small measuring tool, probably not ideal for everyday use in the workshop or building site.Very well made and excellent value for money.

Excellent, very robust!